Why “Shepherd’s Sky?”

Welcome to my blog! I’ll be telling the tale of creating a new career for myself late in life as yarn shop owner, fiber artist, and promoter of fiber farmers, fiber artists, and regional and fair trade natural fiber yarns. I’ll also relate some of my travels and connections to places that nurture me.

Why “Shepherd’s Sky?” Besides a connection to wool (or other fiber) and the fiber farmer (or shepherd), in Scotland (and the UK) there is a well-known weather saying:

In the US it is most often used with “sailor’s” replacing “shepherd’s.” (You can check Wikipedia for more discussion on why it is often true that weather is fine the day following a red sunset.) There is a nice reference to shepherd’s sky in the song by the Scottish folk singer Emily Smith called “Sunset Hymn” on her CD Too Long Away. (You can search on you tube if you’d like to listen.)

The photo above is one of the red sky nights we had visiting Scotland last summer.

Happy Almost Fall!

New Yarns are coming in Sept-Oct. Get ready for Kelbourne Woolens tweed, O-Wool (gentle washable & dryable!), and Fino mini-skeins.

Drop-in Knitting Clinic with Betsey Forbes from 2 – 3 pm every Friday! $10 If you have a knitting question or problem to solve, we now have a drop-in hour (no reservation or pre-pay needed). Drop a stitch? How to read a pattern or knit a sock? Bring all of your questions to Betsey.

We continue to add to the Class & Event Schedule the calendar on our Community & Classes page. You can also find classes and events on our facebook page. And we give out printed schedules in the shop. Please call 413-397-3680 with any questions and to register for classes.

Free Crafts Nite happens every Wednesday night from 6 – 8 pm. Bring your own portable craft or start a new project. Join in our social time with help if you need it. (not a class)